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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Ksenija Sidorova On Tour with Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Final Concert at Carnegie Hall
Report: Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival
AAA Festival 2019, July 17-21, King of Prussia
Dr. William Schimmel’s Winter Musical Events
Ludovic Beier Performs at Django Reinhardt Festival, Birdland, NYC Nov. 6-11
Roll Out the Accordion, Polka Music and Oktoberfest
World Accordion and Tango Festival, Trophée Mondial, Victoria, BC - Canada
Message from IDEAS Co-Founders & Co-Directors Michael Soloway & Joseph Natoli
Cody McSherry to Perform at Kennedy Center on November 20
Hudson Valley Accordion Ensemble Performs in Peekskill, NY on Nov.8
DTA! Celebrates its 35th Birthday with 35 ALIVE! Extravaganza
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: Michael Bridge: 1812 Overture (Tchaikovsky) on Digital Accordion - Canada
Gia Ciccone to Perform for Hudson Valley Accordion Ensemble
Dallas Vietty and Acme Accordion School Accordion Day Events
Brooklyn Accordion Club Holiday Concert
Accordion Pops Orchestra Winter Concert Benefit on November 18
Stas Venglevski Announces New Compositions
Peter Di Bono Trio To Perform for San Francisco Accordion Club
Jane Christison to Perform in "Missa Latina" by Bobbi Fischer
LIAA Features Bud and Linda Gramer
Joe De Clemente Performs at Gracie Mansion in NYC
Ivan Filipchyk Performs at Inaugural Music Festival in NY
Video: Nikolas Lazic (Austria) and Szilárd Benes (Hungary) Perform in Carnegie Hall
Dan Newton and Cafe Accordion Orchestra
2018 List of Accordion Organizations in California
Nancy Leonard Performs on Capital Hill, Washington, D.C.
Future events |
CAA Holiday Concert “Seasonal Melodies and other Songs”
Guy Klucevsek in Concert in Albuquerque on December 2
New and Updated Sites |
Updated Site of Mike Middleton
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Barnea |
 The November USA news is online featuring association events, festivals, new ensembles, concerts at Carnegie Hall, Birdland, Kennedy Center, accordion club meetings, new CD releases, digital albums, videos and more! |
Ksenija Sidorova On Tour with Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Final Concert at Carnegie Hallby Rita Barnea |
 Video: Clarinetist/Artistic Director Alan Kay talks about the upcoming concerts.Accordionist Ksenija Sidorova embarks on a US tour with Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and long-time musical partner Avi Avital. They perform: - 03 November, Weis Centre for Performing Arts within Bucknell University in Lewisburg; - 06 November, at Mary Patricia Gannon Concerto Hall within DePaul University in Chicago; - 07 November, at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City; - 09 November, at the Staller Center within Stony Brook University; - 10 November, The tour ends on at the Stern Auditorium in Carnegie Hall in New York where Ksenija makes her debut. The tour is premiering two new concertos: the Double concerto “Monomachia” for Mandolin, Accordion and Chamber Orchestra by Golden Globe®, GRAMMY® and Emmy® nominated British composer Benjamin Wallfisch and J-S Bach’s Concerto for Accordion and Mandolin in C Minor, BWV 1060R arranged by Paul Chihara. Stars Aligned on Saturday, November 10, 2018 7:PM at Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall. In a night of Stars Aligned two artists reinvent their time-honored instruments in a novel rendition of Bach. A world premiere by Golden Globe, Grammy, and Emmy-nominated composer Benjamin Wallfisch (Andy Muschietti’s It, Blade Runner 2049, Hidden Figures) is paired with evocative concert music from Waxman, Rota, and Rózsa, attesting to the skills that made these European immigrants early titans of Hollywood film scoring. Performers include: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra Avi Avital, Mandolin Ksenija Sidorova, Accordion Program: WAXMAN “Sinfonietta for String Orchestra and Timpani” ROTA “Canzona” BACH Concerto for Mandolin and Accordion in C Minor, BWV 1060R (arr. Paul Chihara) BENJAMIN WALLFISCH “Concerto for Mandolin and Accordion” RÓZSA “Hungarian Serenade, Op. 25” Orpheus welcomes two innovative artists who are reinventing their time-honored instruments in a novel rendition of Bach and a brand-new work written for them by Golden Globe®, GRAMMY® and Emmy® nominated British composer Benjamin Wallfisch (Andy Muschietti’s It, Blade Runner 2049, Hidden Figures). Tickets start at $10. Excerpts from Carnegie Hall website: Dodging war and chasing riches, top European composers like Hungary’s Miklós Rózsa, Italy’s Nino Rota, and Germany’s Franz Waxman immigrated to America and helped to fuel Hollywood’s golden age. Their concert music shows off the evocative tone painting and craftsmanship that made their film scores so indispensible to Hitchcock, Fellini, and Coppola, among others. Soloists Ksenija Sidorova (accordion) and Avi Avital (mandolin) each bring modern glitz and glamor to their old-world instruments, whether playing a reconfigured Bach concerto or debuting the brand-new work written for them by Golden Globe®, GRAMMY® and Emmy® nominated British composer Benjamin Wallfisch (Andy Muschietti’s It, Blade Runner 2049, Hidden Figures). This Orpheus commission is the latest addition to American Notes, a project that explores the landscape of new music from diverse perspectives. About Ksenija from her website: Encouraged to take up the instrument by a grandmother steeped in the folk tradition of accordion playing, Ksenija started to play the instrument aged eight under the guidance of Marija Gasele in her hometown of Riga. Her quest for more exposure to both classical and contemporary repertoire took her to London where she became a prize-winning undergraduate at the Royal Academy of Music studying under Owen Murray. She subsequently received her Masters Degree with Distinction. In 2009 Ksenija made her debut at London’s Wigmore Hall and appeared in the Park Lane Group Young Artists Showcase prompting The Times to single her out as“one of the real finds of the series”. In May 2012 she became the first International Award winner of the Bryn Terfel Foundation, and this year appears at the Royal Albert Hall as part of his 50th birthday celebrations alongside Sting. A recipient of both the Philharmonia Orchestra’s Martin Musical Scholarship and Friends of the Philharmonia Award, as well as the Worshipful Company of Musicians Silver Medal, Ksenija has just been appointed a Junge Wilde Artist by the Konzerthaus Dortmund. Ksenija regularly collaborates with Miloš Karadaglić, Juan Diego Flórez, Nicola Benedetti, Thomas Gould and Joseph Calleja. Ksenija works extensively with Avi Avital who, along with Itamar Doari, comprise the trio for the “Between Worlds” project which this year sees performances at Shakespeare's Globe, throughout Germany and on a substantial US tour (including dates in Boston, Washington and New York) in spring 2016. She has also appeared on Arte’s “Stars von Morgen” with Rolando Villazón. Forthcoming highlights include performances of Erkki-Sven Tüür Prophecy with the NHK Symphony and Paavo Järvi; a tour with Latvian National Symphony Orchestra; and concerts with the Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, WDR Rundfunkorchester, and at the Cheltenham and Bad Kissingen Festivals. She made her debut at the Vancouver Recital Series in September 2016. This season, Ksenija premieres three new concertos. In autumn 2018 she tours to the US, which includes her Carnegie Hall debut, and performances with Avi Avital and Orpheus Chamber Orchestra playing the premiere of Concerto for Accordion and Mandolin by acclaimed British composer Benjamin Wallfisch. In March 2019, Ksenija gives the world premiere of Vientos Del Sur, Concerto for Accordion by Latin Grammy winning Argentinean composer Claudia Montero with Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Vasily Petrenko. This concerto is co-commissioned by Münchner Philharmoniker. The new concerto by Latvian composer Arturs Maskats will receive its premiere at the Riga Festival in June 2019. Forthcoming engagements in 2018/19 include BBC Symphony Orchestra, as part of their residency in Dubai, London Chamber Orchestra with Leticia Moreno including a new arrangement of Vivaldi and Piazzolla’s Four Seasons, Orchestre National de Montpellier, Edmonton Symphony, a Swedish tour with Riga Sinfonietta, Belgrade and Basel symphony orchestras. Ksenija will also be presented in solo recital at the main hall of Kölner Philharmonie, in Bad Kissingen, Riga, and she embarks on a tour of Australia and Germany in December 2018 showcasing works by Kusiakov, Arkhipovsky, Rachmaninov, Voytenko and Schnittke. |
Report: Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festivalby Heather Masefield, Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
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 The Octoberfest 19th Las Vegas International Accordion Festival ran from 15th to 18th October at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas directed by Event Organiser Paul Pasquali (picture right). The lineup started with Cory Pesaturo and bookends with a grand finale starring Grayson Masefield and the International Accordion Orchestra under the direction of the legendary Prof. Joan Sommers. A full report including pictures and video of the many activities and concert by all the well known performers listed below is online at: 2018LasVegas |
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AAA Festival 2019, July 17-21, King of Prussiaby Mary Tokarski |
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| The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) announces the AAA Festival 2019, will be held at the Valley Forge Casino Resort (Radisson Hotel), July 17-21, King of Prussia, PA. Details are on the AAA poster above. This follows the outstanding 80th Anniversary 2018 AAA Festival which featured a multitude of concerts, workshops, activities, and a trade show. AAA 80th Anniversary Festival Daily Reports of pictures and videos at: 2018AAA80th |
Dr. William Schimmel’s Winter Musical Eventsby Rita Barnea |
 Dr. William Schimmel has released a new digital album, “What’s Tango about the Classics?” This is the second in a series of three digital recordings under the title of: “What’s Tango about the Classics.” The scenario is: An elderly gentleman returns to his room after returning from a gig at the Tango club. He starts playing the classics that he learned at the Conservatory. They evolve into theTango Dimension. He is Happy. Highlights will include: “Tango Spiritus”, “Invocation to the Milonga”, “Tango Stuck”, “Low and Grin” and more. The release date on CD Baby will be November 5, 2018 followed by a release on Amazon. Excerpts from Album notes: William Schimmel is one of the principal architects of the resurgence of the Accordion, The Tango revival in America and the Philosophy of Musical Reality (composiction using pre-existing) music. He received his diploma from the Neupauer Conservatory of Music where he studied the Dr. Jacob C. Neupauer, Lotta Hertlein, David Lampe and Paul Creston. Her received his Bachelor of Master of Science and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from The Juillard School where he studied with Elliot Carter, Luciano Berio, Vincent Persichetti, Roger Sessions and Hugo Weisgall. His music has been performed worldwide by leading conductors including the Late Leopold Stokowski. He is the co - founder of The Tango Project which was seen and heard in the movie “Scent of a Woman” for which Al Pacino won and Oscar, as well as Number 1 on the Billboard Classical Charts. In addition to performing in numerous movie soundtracks and theater projects, his Dance/ Theater/Video works with his wife, Micki Goodman, are internationally praised. Tom Waits fans can hear him on “Rain Dogs” and Frank's “Wild Years” and he stated: Bill Schimmel doesn't play the Accordion, he is an Accordion. His last album, “The Theater of the Accordion” includes a cameo by Wynton Marsalis. “What's Tango about the Classics” is an album of Homages (Realities). 1. Von Suppe's “Poet and Peasant” 2. Ravel's “Quartet in F” 3. Rossini's “Semiramide” 4. Gardel's “Por Una Cabeza” 5. Strauss's “Emperor Waltz” 6. Strauss's “Blue Danube Waltz” 7. Saint Saens's “Introduction and Rondo Capriccios 8. Grieg's/Lizst/Tchaikovsky#1/Addinsel (Warsaw) 9. Schimmel 10. Mendellsohn's “Concerto in G Minor” Dr. Schimmel is also featured as a composer as well as a performer on a New CD entitled “Peter Jarvis and Friends”. The CD is a Grammy Nomination contender in the first pool. It can be ordered on Amazon. It is on Composers’ Concordance series - Naxos Records. Dr. Schimmel will give a Salon Concert for the Riverside Symphony on November 7 performing highlights of his new recordings as well as lecture on the Accordions’ combining of histories. On November 14, He will perform Kurt Weill’s “Little Threepenny Music” with The Riverside Symphony at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, New York. In December, Dr. Schimmel will be touring Germany performing in a Three Character Opera, in which the instrumentalists are characters. The Opera, Port Bou, tracks the final day of philosopher Walter Benjamin during The Weimar Period. The Bass Baritone is Nicholas Sherwood, the pIanist is Jenny Lin and the composer is Elliott Sharp. On July 26, 27 and 28, 2019 Dr.Schimmel will present his yearly Master Class and Concert Series (The Seminars) sponsored by The American Accordionists’ Association. The title will be: “That Means What?!”. The event will take place at The Tenri Cultural Institute in New York. This marks the 25th Anniversary of The Seminars. For further information: accordionbill@gmail.com |
Ludovic Beier Performs at Django Reinhardt Festival, Birdland, NYC Nov. 6-11by Rita Barnea |
 Accordionist Ludovic Beier performs at the Django Reinhardt Festival with Dorado, Samson & Amati Schmitt, and Pierre Blanchard from November 6, 2018 - November 11, 2018 featuring special guests: Edmar Castaneda, Grace Kelly, Joel Frahm and Evan Sherman. Produced by Pat Philips Co-Founded with Ettore Stratta.Birdland, located on 315 West 44th Street, NYC is an exciting and very comfortable venue. We have been going there for many years and Birdland is consistently of the highest quality in all aspects. The dinner, drinks, and appetizers are always delicious and reasonable. All seats provided an excellent view of the stage. The sound system is superb. (Not too loud). All the people who work there are very accommodating and friendly. Parking is convenient and inexpensive. Performance dates and times: Tuesday 11/6 Doors: 6:30 pm / Show: 8:30 pm Tuesday 11/6 Doors: 10:30 pm / Show: 11:00 pm Wednesday 11/7 Doors: 7:30 pm / Show: 8:30 pm Wednesday 11/7 Doors: 10:30 pm / Show: 11:00 pm Thursday 11/8 Doors: 7:30 pm / Show: 8:30 pm Thursday 11/8 Doors: 10:30 pm / Show: 11:00 pm Friday 11/9 Doors: 7:30 pm / Show: 8:30 pm Friday 11/9 Doors: 10:30 pm / Show: 11:00 pm Saturday 11/10 Doors: 7:30 pm / Show: 8:30 pm Saturday 11/10 Doors: 10:30 pm / Show: 11:00 pm The ‘hot swing’ musical style of Django holds the crowd like a magnet. The Django Reinhardt NY Festival continues at Birdland for the 19th successful year, Nov. 6-11, 2018. Excerpts from Birdland website: The Django Reinhardt Festival carries on the legacy of legendary gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt, with original music keeping it fresh, exciting, cutting-edge! .…along with some old favorites.. the music, Hot Jazz, 'swiging and romantic' has exploded across the US and it all started at Birdland in 2000, with the launching of the Festival with tours now 2X a year at prestigious venues...to standing ovations: Kennedy Center, Disney Hall in LA, SF JAZZ, to name a few. Dorado Schmitt, legendary Manouche gypsy guitarist from the Strasbourg region of France, a Django look-alike with pencil thin mustache, returns to Birdland to adoring fans. Schmitt started coming to the US in 2002 and is now a star attraction at major festivals as well as at Birdland. He is joined by his son, Amati Schmitt, a brilliant young guitarist, plus other talented musicians appearing regularly as part of the Festival: Virtuoso accordionist/accordina player Ludovic Beier, violinist Pierre Blanchard. The Festival is Produced by Pat Philips Stratta , founded by Ettore Stratta and Pat Philips. Born in 1978, Ludovic Beier learned the accordion from his father and benefited from being part of a musical family. He was brought up in the French tradition of the instrument and developed his jazz accordion skills. He has a spirited, adventurous style which strays into all kinds of byways.He performs on the French and European scene with some of the top players of the Django/Swing Jazz style including Angelo Debarre, Dorado Schmitt, Florin Niculescu. Along with his virtuoso playing, Ludovic composes and arranges, and has his own band, Ludovic Beier Quartet, to perform his "cool and latin" French jazz. He has an impressive technique and also a great dose of lyricism with a band that keeps him at full stretch. Besides performing in Europe at top festivals and clubs, he appeared in the States with the Django Reinhardt Project, performing at Birdland (NYC) with guests such as Paquito D'Rivera, at Lincoln Center with Joe Lovano, at Yoshis (CA) with David Sanchez, and last summer at the Montreal International Jazz Festival with Angelo Debarre and James Carter where he brought the house down. He also had the honor to perform at Carnegie Hall with Toots Thielemans among a prestigious line up including Herbie Hancock, Ivan Lins and Eliane Elias. Dorado Schmitt (Guitar & Violin) “Buoyont rhythm, blinding technique…solid entertainment” Nate Chinen……………NY Times Samson Schmit (Guitar) “Lightening licks and melodic genius” Featured soloists: Ludovic Beier (accordion& Accordina) “Played like an angel..reminiscent of Toots Thielemans at his zenith………….. Allen Morrison, Downbeat Magazine Pierre Blanchard (violin)- Prodigy of Stephane Grappelli … lights the fire all night “Best Jazz Show in town”……..Will Friedwald, Wall Street Journal Month-long November 2018 tour schedule : 3: PERELMAN THEATRE: KIMMEL CENTER For PERFORMING ARTS 4. VICTORIA THEATRE NJPAC 6-11: BIRDLAND, New York City 15: REGATTA BAR Charles Hotel, Boston, Mass. 17: KOERNER HALL Toronto, Canada 19: OUTPOST PERFORMING ARTS Alburquerque, NM 20: LOBERO THEATRE Santa Barbara, Calif. 23-25: SFJAZZ Minor AUDITORIUM San Francisco, Calif. 27: NEWMARK THEATRE Portland Oregon 28: HARRIS CENTER Folsom, Calif. Thanks to their loyal sponsors: Douglas Reetz and John Pearse Strings and the Row Hotel, 315 44th Street at 8th BIRDLAND: 315 w. 44TH Street (Bet. 8TH and 9th avenues) Reservations: 212 581-3080 or www. Birdlandjazz.com Full Dinner Menu and Parking nearby. Location : Birdland Jazz Club & Birdland Theater 315 West 44th Street New York, NY 10036 For CD or Festival information: Stratta/Philips Producer: Tel: 212-744-8836 Email: patmusic2@gmail.com |
Roll Out the Accordion, Polka Music and Oktoberfestby Mary Rogelstad, J.W. Pepper & Son, Inc. |
 Alex MeixnerJW Pepper ® sells sheet music store for band, orchestra and choral music, piano sheet music, worship songs, songbooks and more. The company has been delivering music since 1876 and have created the below article and videos about the accordion and folk music with the help of the Alex Meixner Band.Alex Meixner’s hands fly across his accordion when he plays crowd favorites at Oktoberfest celebrations across the country. The talented musician, who is known for the Hormel pepperoni commercials and his passion for the accordion, can play thousands of songs and has an encyclopedic knowledge about many styles of folk music. He began to learn how to play the accordion at age four; he now owns 14 accordions and travels extensively with his band. Meixner says he loves how the accordion always gets a crowd reaction. “The instrument is fascinating,” Meixner said. “One of the things I enjoy is going to elementary schools particularly. Kids see me – pressing buttons, moving bellows, sounds coming out, sound changes – and it’s very tangible. The qualities of it are so attractive, especially for kids.” Read the full article with pictures and 4 quality videos at: JWPepperMeixner.aspx |
World Accordion and Tango Festival, Trophée Mondial, Victoria, BC - Canadaby Rita Barnea |
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 In 2017, after running for 11 years the Victoria International Accordion Festival, the festival was expanded by changing dates, concept and name to become the World Accordion and Tango Festival. This year’s Festival will be held from November 10 to 18, 2018.As part of the 2018 Festival, Victoria and Oak Bay will be hosting the 68th Trophée Mondial international accordion competition. This event is held in a different country each year and this will be the first time in Canada. The BC Accordion and Tango Society was successful with the bid to host the Trophée Mondial in Victoria, largely due to the very successful 2013 Coupe Mondiale which was hosted in Victoria five years ago. From November 10 to 15, 2018 some of the world's finest young accordion soloists and ensembles will demonstrate their talents and compete for prestigious prizes. The evening concerts will showcase superb musicians and much of the event will be available online. The Gala Opening Concert on Nov 11, 2018 at the Dave Dunnet Theatre will feature acclaimed international accordion performers and previous winners of the Trophée Mondial, Jelena Milojevic (Canada), Tian Jianan (China) and Grayson Masefield (New Zealand) collaborating with the Civic Orchestra of Victoria. During the World Accordion Conference, major international accordion manufacturers and vendors and industry professionals will exhibit their instruments, present numerous workshops and explore opportunities for expanding their businesses in British Columbia. During the second Festival weekend (Nov. 16-18), the program will shift to tango music for another three days of world-class performances by international tango musicians and dance couples who will present their skills in workshops, dance lessons and famous milongas. For further information: donmaconi@gmail.com |
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Message from IDEAS Co-Founders & Co-Directors Michael Soloway & Joseph Natoliby Joe Natoli and Michael Soloway |
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| A very heartfelt welcome to this first ever annual and historic event focused specifically on the digital accordion and its peripherals, hosted at the beautiful Avalon Inn & Resort in Warren, Ohio Nov 7-10, 2018. This is going to be a very special week for enthusiasts who play digital accordion of any type or brand, because we anticipate filling any knowledge gaps you may have experienced with your instrument, and help you achieve a complete understanding of your digital accordion on many diverse levels. Our hands-on workshops will be highly varied and substantive this week. Everything you can think of in the digital domain including recording techniques, programming your instru- ment for great orchestral and digital accordion sounds, achieving the best orchestrations, MIDI basic and advanced applications, MIDI peripheral equipment to be used with your digital accordion, accompanying vocalists effectively, understanding free bass on your dig- ital instrument, jazz techniques for reharmonization and improvising, digital music notation software and much more will be offered at multiple levels so that everyone can feel wel- come, while getting the most out of each workshop the entire week. This is a “come as you are” digital accordion party for digital enthusiasts everywhere. It is four solid days of collaboration, learning, contributing, and enjoying. To add to your enjoyment there will be 5 concerts, three at 8:00am, one at 7:30pm, and one at 8:00pm. So you will literally wake with great digital music and end each exciting day with it as well. Even if you cannot attend the IDEAS Symposium, if you are local to Warren, OH, you will definitely want to come and hear the great concerts planned with world-class entertainment. See the above poster. Four straight days of amazing workshops, collaborative sessions, five concerts, digital accordions everywhere, an outstanding faculty and group of performing artists, an incredible resort, and great dining. It doesn’t get much better for digital accordionists! For further information: thegr8.ideas@gmail.com |
Cody McSherry to Perform at Kennedy Center on November 20by Pat McSherry |
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 Video: Complete concert at Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, concert by Cody McSherry, introduction by Joan Grauman, © 2018 John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2018ML.jpgFifteen year-old accordionist Cody McSherry has received a wonderful honor and opportunity. He has been asked to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Though he may be young, McSherry is a veteran performer, having performed on both the east and west coasts and as well as in Germany. He has won many national and international competitions, most recently at the Leavenworth (Washington) International Accordion Celebration. He began his musical studies with piano at the age of four and accordion at the age of six. Cody is an accomplished musician, playing three different types of accordion (piano accordion, diatonic button accordion and chromatic accordion). Additionally, Cody plays the piano, pipe organ and theater organ and is an award-winning singer. He also has his own band “Polterabend” (German for “noisy night”). He is also known for his appearances in local theater, most recently as a main performer in Servant Stage’s production of “I’ll Fly Away.” For the hour-long Kennedy Center event, Cody will be performing on both piano accordion and diatonic “button box.”McSherry’s performance will be in the Kennedy’s Center’s Millennium Theater on November 20, 2018 at 6:00 PM. Admission is free and no tickets are needed. Those people who cannot attend can watch the performance on the internet as the performance will be live-streamed on the theater’s website. The performance will be archived in the theater’s archive. |
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Hudson Valley Accordion Ensemble Performs in Peekskill, NY on Nov.8by Rita Barnea |
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| The Hudson Valley Accordion Ensemble will perform on the Second Thursday of every month at Taormina Restaurant, 59 Hudson Avenue, Peekskill, NY. 10566
*PRIX FIX 4 Course Dinner with several delicious choices!* - $33.00 pp + Tax & Gratuities. Reservations are a must. Call early to reserve: 914-739-4007. The next performance will be on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 6:30 PM. Accordionist Mario Tacca is the Music Director and Mary Mancini Tacca is the Artistic Director/Manager. Their mission statement: To have fun and gather with friends! To make great music together! To bring the melodic and unique sounds of the Accordion to people of all ages! To bring joy to others! Upcoming Performances of the Hudson Valley Accordion Ensemble: Questions and inquiries can be made to marytmancini@msn.com or by calling 914-737-8872. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an evening of fine food and great music while supporting a local restaurant and local artists, performing live music here in our community! Fall/Winter 2018 Performance Schedule of Mary Mancini and Mario Tacca: Oct. 26 – Mary & Mario - An Evening in Rome, Fr. Wilson Hall, Church of the Assumption, Peekskill, NY, 7:PM Nov. 4 – Mario – Casa Milanese, Highland, NY, 1pm Nov. 6 – Mary & Mario – From Italy with Love Luncheon Show, The Brownstone, Paterson, NJ, 11:30 AM Nov. 8 – Mary & Mario – Hudson Valley Accordion Ensemble, Taormina Restaurant, Peekskill, NY, 6:30 PM Nov. 17 – Mario – Magnanini Winery, Wallkill, NY, 7:PM Nov. 22 – Mario – Thanksgiving Day – Magnanini Winery, Wallkill, NY, 1:PM Nov. 25 – Mario – Magnanini Winery, Wallkill, NY, 1:PM Nov. 30 – Mary & Mario - The Bean Runner Café, Peekskill, NY, 8:PM Dec. 1 – Mario - Magnanini Winery, Wallkill, NY, 7:PM Dec. 13 – Mary & Mario - Hudson Valley Accordion Ensemble, Taormina Restaurant, Peekskill, NY, 6:30 PM Dec. 14 – Mary & Mario – A Candlelight Christmas Concert, Church of the Assumption, Peekskill, NY, 7:PM |
DTA! Celebrates its 35th Birthday with 35 ALIVE! Extravaganzaby Rita Barnea |
 Downtown Alive! celebrates its 35th anniversary this Friday with an unbelievable show. The 35 ALIVE! Extravaganza will feature all of the hottest artists in the Acadiana music scene, including TK Hulin, Wayne Toups, Michael Doucet, Chubby Carrier, Sonny Landreth, Ward Lormand, Charlene Howard, Mike Burchand many more! The full lineup includes over 20 artists who will pack the stage at Parc International for what promises to be one of the most exciting concerts in the 35 year history of Downtown Alive! The event takes place on November 2, 2018 from 5-8:30 PM CDT at Parc International, 200 Garfield Street, Lafayette, Louisiana 70501. The party starts off hot with the DTA! Happiest Hour at 5:00 PM. Downtown Lafayette’s newest concert venue, the Pearl, will host the Happiest Hour at Parc International and serve a spicy, jalapeño infused margarita for only $5. They will also be the host of the official DTA after party with music by Steve Adams with Lance Dubroc and the 504 Horns with Jason Parfait. The doors of the Children’s Museum of Acadiana will be open free-of-charge for DTA! Kids, starting at 5:30 PM. Other family-friendly entertainment includes MLR Magic showcasing their animal character balloons and face-painting. Make sure to grab a bag of popcorn from Itz Pop-A-Licious. Bring the whole family to enjoy a great outdoor event suitable for kids of all ages. DTA! is made possible by Urban Leader sponsors: Lafayette Coca-Cola, LUS Fiber, Festival International de Louisiane, Townsquare Media, Teche Drugs, Delta Media Corporation, Potty Girl, Lowry’s Printing, and Event Rental. Downtown Alive! is produced by Downtown Lafayette Unlimited in cooperation with Lafayette Consolidated Government. Remaining DTA! Fall 2018 Schedule: November 2 – 25 Alive! Extravaganza ft. The Downtown Collective Band w/ special guests TK Hulin, Wayne Toups, Michael Doucet, Chubby Carrier, Sonny Landreth, Ward Lormand, Charlene Howard, Mike Burch and more! (Variety – Parc International) November 9 – Samantha Fish (Contemporary Blues – Parc International) November 21 – The Pine Leaf Boys w/ Special Guests (Cajun / Zydeco / Swamp Pop / Country / Soul – Parc International) |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Grayson Masefield Honored at Las Vegas International Accordion Conventionby Paul Pasquali Event Organizer |
 Grayson Masefield was honored at the 2018 Las Vegas International Accordion Convention. The Citation reads: "In recognition of your distinguished contribution to accordion music, education and culture through artistry and performance." Grayson Masefield joins 19 years of honorees. Honorary Conductors 2000 – Art Van Damme 2001 – Dick Contino 2002 – Myron Floren 2003 – Gina Brannelli 2004 – Joan Cochran Sommers 2005 – Peter Soave 2006 – Iona Reed Pukara 2007 – Walter Ostanek 2008 – Carl Fortina 2009 – Pete Barbutti 2010 – Frank Marocco 2011 – Angelo Di Pippo 2012 – Jeff Lisenby 2013 – Joey Miskulin 2014 – Stas Venglevski 2015 – Mary Tokarski 2016 – Mario Pedone 2017 – Gordon Kohl 2018 – Grayson Masefield Lifetime Achievement Anthony Galla-Rini Pete Barbutti Gina Brannelli Tony Lovello Joan Cochran Sommers Dick Contino The pdf file of Grayson from a young child until today is taken from the Power Point shown at the convention: 2018LVAward.pdf Great grandpa Alfred Jones played accordion and each generation since played accordion. A full report including pictures and video of the many activities and concert by all the well known performers listed below is online at: 2018LasVegas |
Video: Michael Bridge: 1812 Overture (Tchaikovsky) on Digital Accordion - Canadaby Harley Jones |
| Recording from Michael Bridge's 2018 solo album, "Overture" available online. Michael Bridge writes: All sounds are performed live on Digital Accordion, without background music. This piece uses the digital accordion's ability to produce sounds that are sensitive to both swell (bellows) and finger velocity (percussion). Thus, a single performer can control a huge number of instrument sounds by assigning each one to a different section of the instrument. All percussion sounds are played with the left hand, and three chin switches facilitate turning various sounds on and off. Over 50 customized sound settings are used throughout this work. |
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Gia Ciccone to Perform for Hudson Valley Accordion Ensembleby Linda Soley Reed, AAA Second Vice President |
 Gia Ciccone, 11 years old, is an accordionist in the 6th grade at Somers Middle school in Somers, NY and a student of Mario Tacca.Gia will perform as a Guest Artist for the Hudson Valley Accordion Ensemble on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at Taormina Restaurant in Peekskill, NY. She will also be the Guest Artist at Mario and Mary’s “A Candlight Christmas” Concert on Friday, December 14, 2018 at 7:PM. Gia has consistently entered and won many prizes at the AAA’s Annual Festival held each July. She is pictured with a few of her awards that she received for her performance at the AAA’s 80th Anniversary Festival in Alexandria, VA. She has participated in the AAA’s Youth Orchestra under the direction of AAA President, Mary Tokarski, since its inception a few years ago, as well as the AAA’s “Youth Outreach Program.” Gia’s proud dad is AAA 1st Vice President, Dr. Joseph Ciccone who also performs with the Hudson Valley Accordion Ensemble. In addition, Dr. Ciccone has written numerous selections for accordion and has entered these compositions in the AAA’s Elsie M. Bennett Composition Competition consistently receiving awards for his selections. If you would like to attend the performance of the Hudson Valley “Italian Night” at Taormina which is located at 59 Hudson Avenue, Peekskill, NY 10558, please contact them directly at 914-739-4007. Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini’s “Candlelight Christmas Concert” is held annually at the Church of the Assumption, 131 Union Avenue, Peekskill, NY 10566. In addition to guest artist, Gia Ciccone, the concert will also feature the Victor Lionti String Quartet and the Assumption Youth Spirit Singers. The concert begins at 7:PM. |
Dallas Vietty and Acme Accordion School Accordion Day Eventsby Rita Barnea |
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 November is National Accordion Month! Come celebrate the joy of the accordion on Accordion Day, November 4, 2018.The public is invited to attend all Accordion Day events. Admission is free. Sunday - November 4, 2018. 10:30 AM thru 3:00 PM Location: Acme Accordion School - 322 Haddon Ave. Westmont (Haddon Township), NJ 08108 Please provide your own transportation. Events begin at 10:30 AM where accordionists may sign up to perform a solo or two until 11:30. 11:45 to 12:30 is set up for the Accordion Day photo. Please bring your accordion if possible. The goal is 150 accordion players or more. All ages are invited. Enjoy meeting new friends. Bring your family. The photo will be followed by a concert that will feature guest performer: Dallas Vietty and Bryce Milano (accordion and mandolin). Also performing is Suzy Andrew from Wilkes Barre, PA.,the Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra, Westmont Accordion Club and the Adult Sophomore Ensemble. Award-winning accordionist and educator Dallas Vietty is in demand as a young accordionist performing jazz and swing in the United States today. Dallas’ unique style comes from his background in the American jazz tradition, as well as deep study and immersion in the European swing tradition of Django Reinhardt (Gypsy Jazz) and the French musette and jazz accordionists. His groups have performed at some of the top U.S. festivals: Djangology NYC, TEDx Philly, Djangoary Festival, to name a few. As a sideman his performances have taken him to legendary venues such as The Iridium Jazz Club NYC, BB King’s Time Square, The Highline Ballroom NYC, Philadelphia Kimmel Center Verizon Hall and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Dallas is President and Director of the NAAC (North American Accordion Collaborative) which is a non-profit organization that helps accordionists of varied interests by identifying their specific needs and by building opportunities to meet those needs. Dallas Vietty is a Philadelphia based American jazz accordionist specializing in the Parisian swing-waltz style of Musette and Gypsy Jazz. He has studied jazz and arranging at California State University Northridge and accordion performance with Stanley and Joanna Darrow at Acme Accordion School. As a soloist he performs widely, and won first place in the Free Bass category at the American Accordionist Musicological Society Festival in 2011. As a band leader, his groups have performed at Musikfest 2012, Djangoary Festival 2011 and 2012, Djangofolies Festival 2012, Djangology Festival 2012, TEDxPhilly 2010, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and many other concerts around the country. As an educator he has taught at the famous Django music camp, Django in June, led workshops at the American Accordionist Association Conference, and has a busy private studio and growing online teaching presence. He has an extensive knowledge of Musette and Gypsy Jazz for the piano accordion. As an educator Dallas is a pioneer in online education through his learning website rebelreed.com. He currently leads Musette Project, a contemporary take on the modernist waltz compositions of the mid-century Parisian accordionists, and Hot Bijouxx, an early 20th century inspired hot swing group. For more information: Joanna Darrow - 856-854-6628 Photo credit: Acme Accordion School (2014) |
Brooklyn Accordion Club Holiday Concertby Rita Barnea |
  The BAC is planning their annual Holiday Concert for Sunday, December 2, 2018 from 5:30 to 8:PM at Berg'n (899 Bergen St. between Classon and Franklin). 4:30-5:30 PM ensemble rehearsal/call time)Admission: $10.00 [Kids under 18 are free!] The event last year was a huge success with over 60 attendees and raised enough funds to sustain the Brooklyn Accordion Club for another year. In addition to soloists or small ensembles, BAC would like to assemble a larger ensemble to perform holiday tunes/Christmas carols like last year. (Many audience members got a kick out of singing along with an accordion orchestra!) The large ensemble would be open to all levels, and possibly other instruments as well. Details for the event are listed below: If you're interested in participating, please email ASAP. Your prompt response is appreciated to help arrange music and email you music and plan additional aspects of the event. The repertoire will be similar to last year so there will be no added rehearsals, but please make yourself available at 4:15 PM the day of the concert to run through all the ensemble pieces with arranger and conductor, Denise. Please note this event is taking place at Berg’n. For further information: brooklynaccordionclub@gmail.com |
Accordion Pops Orchestra Winter Concert Benefit on November 18by Rita Barnea |
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  The Accordion Pops Orchestra under the direction of Al Terzo presents their Winter Concert, annual benefit show for Saint Johns Church in Bergenfield. Lenny Feldman will be the MC. Flute virtuoso Andrea Maurer will be guest soloist. The concert takes place at Conlon Hall Auditorium, 19 North William Street, Bergenfield, NJ. on Sunday November 18, 2018 at 3:PM. Andrea Maurer has a Master’s degree in Music Performance from Rice University. Her teachers include Jeffrey Khaner (Philadelphia Orchestra), Albert Tipton, and Ervin Monroe (Detroit Symphony Orchestra). She has played in the Pasadena Woodwind Quintet, Los Angeles Korean Philharmonic and the Birmingham-Bloomfield Symphony. Andrea was sponsored by the United States Information Service to perform as a soloist in Mumbai, India. While there she also studied Indian flute. She has performed in Master Classes of Julius Baker, Robert Dick, Bonita Boyd, Michel Debost, Louis Moyse, and Frances Blaisdell. She currently performs with the Academy Chamber Society, Doylestown Symphonic Winds, Old York Road Symphony, Delaware Valley Wind Symphony and the Delaware Valley Winds Woodwind Quintet. Andrea is active as a chamber musician and frequently appears as a guest soloist, most recently at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. She teaches flute at George School and privately. The orchestra's roots can be traced to 1970, when it was organized by the Accordion Teachers' Association of New Jersey. Over the next ten years it performed at various community functions throughout the state under the direction of its first conductor, Dr. Jacob Neupauer of Philadelphia. In 1980 the orchestra members took a leave of absence, but four years later the membership was reorganized under the direction of the late Eugene Ettore of Livingston, New Jersey. In 1985, Daniel Desiderio was invited to act as a guest conductor of the orchestra and a few years later the A.T.A. of NJ appointed him as conductor in residence. The name of the orchestra was formally changed to the Accordion Pops Orchestra and its membership was expanded beyond the original members from New Jersey to include performers from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, Maryland, and Rhode Island. Maestro Desiderio retired as conductor in May 2011 and turned over the baton to Al Terzo. The largest professional accordion orchestra of its kind on the East Coast, the group consists entirely of accordions plus percussion instruments. In addition, the orchestra often accompanies guest soloists including pianists and vocal artists. Al Terzo, APO Conductor 2011-Present, is a teacher, arranger, and conductor who has been with the orchestra since its inception in 1970. He is a member of the Music Teachers National Association, New Jersey Music Teachers Association, and National Association of Music Educators. Mr.Terzo serves on the governing board of the American Accordionists Association and is a founding member of the Mid Atlantic Music Teachers Guild. He is an accomplished accordionist who has performed at the Garden State Arts Center and Newark's Symphony Hall. Currently Mr.Terzo teaches accordion and piano in New Jersey. Lenny Feldman: Professional Accordionist since January, 1959. Virtuoso Accordion Champion in New Jersey and Illinois 1960-62 representing those states in AAA Olympics. BM Education degree from VanderCook College of Music in 1964 as an accordion major. Public school music teacher.Featured performer at numerous Accordion Festivals including AAA, ATG, AAMS, SMASH, FMAE, NAA, ATANJ, MAMTG, and many Accordion Clubs. Adjudicator at many State and National Accordion Competitions. Presenter of dozens of Accordion Workshops. Lifetime Achievement Award from AAMS in 2007. Member governing board of AAA and AAMS . Accordionist on tour with the Mantovani Orchestra. Faculty member at First Annual IDEAS Digital Accordion Symposium (2018) Donation of $10.00 is appreciated. All proceeds go to the church. For further information: webmaster@accordionpops.com |
Stas Venglevski Announces New Compositionsby Megumi Hada |
 Two new Stas Venglevski compositions are now available.Catalog: vstas055 Octobler Rondo (solo) with music page sample and sound sample. Catalog: vstas056 Summer Sunshine (solo) with music page sample and sound sample. Recent Stas Venglevski compositions released. Catalog: vstas051 Meg Tango (solo) with music page sample and sound sample. Catalog: vstas052 Maurisa (solo) with music page sample and sound sample. Catalog: vstas053 A Song (solo) with music page sample and sound sample. Catalog: vstas054 Stas' Tune (solo) with music page sample and sound sample. |
Peter Di Bono Trio To Perform for San Francisco Accordion Clubby Rita Barnea |
 The next meeting of the San Francisco Accordion Club featuring the Peter Di Bono Trio is on November 18, 2018 at 2:PM Open to the Public!Excerpts from the SFAC website:The Peter Di Bono Trio has been serenading Bay Area audiences for over 25 years. Venues range from an elegant wedding on Nob Hill, to a forest picnic in Carmel Valley. The music covers a very wide spectrum from Broadway to Bach, and back. Peter Di Bono has played nearly every type of music, and in every setting imaginable. Performances include musical theater and guest soloist with Bay Area symphony orchestras. His many musical styles include classical, jazz, Italian, French, German – “You name it, I do it!”. Peter has an active teaching practice with over 20 students, and is on the faculty of The Community Music Center in San Francisco. Violinist, Harriet Newhart is equally comfortable playing Mozart, Mancini, or marches. Classically trained on piano and violin at The San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Harriet brings such warm vitality to her music that she has been a favorite of San Francisco audiences and musicians for her entire career. Bass player, Steve Hanson was raised on the family farm in Minnesota, and as soon as he was of age, joined the United States Navy. He was soon accepted into the Navy Band playing horn. Steve's bass playing style and all around musicality keeps him one of the busiest musicians in the entire Bay Area. The San Francisco Accordion Club is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization whose purpose is to enhance, promote and stimulate an appreciation for the accordion within the membership and throughout the general public. Donations are tax-deductible and gratefully accepted. The meeting takes place at the Chetcuti Community Room, Civic Center Pleaza, 450 Poplar Avenue, Millbrae, CA 94030. For further information: info@sfaccordionclub.com |
Jane Christison to Perform in "Missa Latina" by Bobbi Fischerby Rita Barnea |
 Accordionist Jane Christison will perform in "Missa Latina". Village Presbyterian recently announced its 2018 Music Ministry Concert Season,beginning on Nov. 4, 2018 at 3:PM which program conductor Will Breytspraak is calling “The Peacemakers.” The free concert will benefit Frontera de Cristo. He said “The second half of the concert includes “Missa Latina”, a very new work. It’s a joyful setting of the Latin Mass with an incredible orchestral force of accordion, piano, violin, three percussionists, soloists and beautiful choir parts. It’s like tango meets the Mass.” The concert takes place at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208. Jane shares, “The piece I'm playing on is "Missa Latina," by Bobbi Fischer. Accompanying the 55-voice choir are piano, string bass, violin, two percussionists playing every imaginable Latin percussion instrument and me on accordion. It's really fun to have new music to work on - and it requires me to use my free bass system, which is definitely good for my chops!” Village Presbyterian Music Ministry Season.The Peacemakers — Music by Will Todd and Patrick Hawes and the “Missa Latina” by Bobbi Fischer. Free will offering for the Frontera de Cristo Border Ministry of the Presbyterian Church. In addition to the concerts provided by the church’s choirs and its staff of principal organist Elisa Bickers and associate director of music ministry Matthew Christopher Shepard, Village Presbyterian also sponsors concerts by Arts Alliance, which includes the Kansas City Wind Symphony, Te Deum Chamber Choir and the Kansas City Baroque Consortium. For further information: janec@musicwithasmile.com |
LIAA Features Bud and Linda Gramerby Rita Barnea |
 Video: Bud Gramer at Village Lanterne in Lindenhurst, NJ.La Villini Restaurant of East Northport, NY is sponsoring the next meeting of the Long Island Accordion Alliance (LIAA) on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at 6:PM. The featured guest artists will be accordionist Bud Gramer and vocalist Linda Gramer. They are a two piece German band for all your entertainment needs. Excerpts from article by Erin Geismar from Newsday: Gramer started playing the accordion when he was 9 years old growing up in the heavily German-influenced neighborhood of Ridgewood, Queens. Like many of his young friends, his Austrian-immigrant parents wanted him to learn the accordion. But unlike many of his friends, who eventually traded their accordions for baseball bats, Gramer, 56, has never tired of his instrument. He played his first paying gig in Maspeth, Queens in 1973, and 40 years later enjoys it just the same. “It’s the electricity I get from the crowd,” he said. “It’s kind of like when there’s an athlete or a baseball player and there’s a full house. You feel so much more into it, you feel motivated. “That’s what drives the musician,” he added. “It’s that electricity, it just gives you a wonderful feeling.” Gramer has sustained his hobby with appearances at local festivals, German-heritage events and places like the Village Lanterne, where owner Thomas Lorch, also of German heritage, fosters the tradition. Gramer, who worked for 32 years in the travel department of the United Nations while playing gigs on the weekends, said music has allowed him to carry on his family’s heritage and connect with others. “Music is the universal language,” he said. “Sometimes if people are having a rough day or if I’m having a rough day, I put the accordion on and I play a few songs and most of the time I feel a lot better. The world could use a lot more music.” Place: La Villini Restaurant 288 Larkfield Road. East Northport, NY 11731 631 – 261 – 6344 Reservations are recommended. |
Joe De Clemente Performs at Gracie Mansion in NYCby Rita Barnea |
 On Thursday, October 4, 2018, Mayor Bill de Blasio and his wife hosted the annual Italian Heritage Celebration at their Gracie Mansion home in NYC. The celebration was attended by hundreds of people who were of Italian heritage and represented various Italian organizations throughout the city. As the the people entered into the celebration area, which was located in a large tent on the grounds of Gracie Mansion, they were welcomed by “Papa Joe” De Clemente on the accordion. Joe received numerous compliments from the visitors and many of them requested Papa Joe to join them in their personal photos. “Papa Joe” De Clemente, who lives in Queens, New York, was brought up in an Italian family environment and started playing the accordion at the young age of nine years old in 1956. He was interested in playing because he used to visit his relatives, the IORIO’s, who manufactured accordions in NYC, as far back as 1907. Joe has performed in numerous venues and loves to entertain people. He is also a member of the Long Island Accordion Alliance. Joe DeClemente volunteers once a week early in the morning to assist the music teacher, Linda Holcomb, at an elementary school music program at PS 203Q, in Bayside, Queens which may be one of the only elementary schools in the five boroughs of New York City that has a student accordion band. The school started their accordion band fifteen years ago. They meet once a week, at the beginning of the school day to practice various songs that they will perform throughout the year. Papa Joe volunteers his time to join the students for rehearsals and he inspires them to be better accordionists. Among the many things he does for them, he also fixes their accordions! Joe shares his love for the accordion, “To me, music has been a language that crosses all barriers, speaking to all people and bringing joy to those who listen. The box has been my pal for over 60 years and I am glad the Lord gave me this special gift” Joe has been married to his wife, Janet, for 49 years and is the father of 4 kids and has 11 grandchildren. Over the years, he has shared his love of the accordion with many people who developed a love and appreciation of the instrument because of his enthusiasm For further information: Joedeclemente@yahoo.com |
Ivan Filipchyk Performs at Inaugural Music Festival in NYby Rita Barnea |
 Accordionist/pianist Ivan Filiipchyk will perform on November 17, 2018 at 1:PM at the Morton Memorial Library Auditorium on 82 Kelly Street, Rhinecliff, NY 12574. Admission is free. Enjoy a day of new music performance at the inaugural Hudson Valley New Music Festival. Ivan’s program will include will perform A. Kysyakov's great musical distillation of life, "Images of Passing Time", several of Ivan's original piano suites and A. Part's "Fur Alina"Ivan Filipchyk (born 1991), is a New York-based artist and musician. He graduated from Russian Gnesin Academy of music in Moscow with a Master's degree in music. He acquired his music foundation in Belarus and Russia, countries with rich musical history, traditions and well-established education in music and arts. As a musician (accordion, piano) he takes part in various competitions and gives recitals performing (as a soloist and participant of an ensemble) on stages of some European countries, Russia, Japan, USA and Canada. The accordion Ivan plays is a b-system button accordion (also known as bayan). Ivan comments on his compositional style: “I don't think I can say much about my pieces... I might be delusional about it but I'd like to think that I write music (I want to, but I can't judge if I'm in any way successful) that doesn't need a story following it. I want it to be clear and simple but expressive. That's why none of my pieces so far have any program titles (except for very general titles, indicating the genre or form, like "prelude and fugue")... It might change in the future if I keep composing, but that's how I feel now. The "musical language" I have is quite traditional (tonal). And I'm well aware that, given the limitations of tonality, my music might remind of the music already existing, written before, and would be probably considered by many unoriginal or outdated. But, as one my good friend often says: "a creative person should live "from the inside out". I guess that's what I have in me now, so I feel like going with it... But it might change. Writing all this also reminded me of something T. S. Eliot wrote in his Four Quarters:"And what is there to conquer by strength and submission, has already been discovered once or twice, or several times, by men whom one cannot hope to emulate...but there's no competition...for us, there's only the trying. The rest is not our business." For further information: Ivan Filipchyk Mobile: 917.443.2190 Email: ivanfilipchyk91@gmail.com |
Video: Nikolas Lazic (Austria) and Szilárd Benes (Hungary) Perform in Carnegie Hallby Harley Jones |
 Video: "The Klezmer Brothers" perform Nigun for Mr B.Two young musicians, duo "The Klezmer Brothers" being Nikolas Lazic (Austria) and Szilárd Benes (Hungary) have found their new way in the condensed music world. Bringing music culture from their own homeland, the two of them have come up with a new style of crossing the painful and sometimes ironic Klezmer motifs with crisp gypsy mood and a touch of Balkan. The aim is to show the audience that you can experience the music of their homeland without speaking the appropriate language through the atmosphere. Since 2018 the duo "The Klezmer Brothers" has had a concert series at the Styrian Chamber Music Festival, E.C.A Festival in Györ, Schauspielhaus Graz, Classical Music Festival in Pula and performed on October 31, 2018 in the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York. |
Dan Newton and Cafe Accordion Orchestraby Rita Barnea |
 Cafe Accordion Orchestra has three performances scheduled with the whole band between now and the first of the year, the first Tuesday of each month, Nov. 6, Dec. 4, 2018 and Jan 1, 2019 (the 25th anniversary of their first gig!). Performances will take place at the Loring Bar and Restaurant in Dinkytown, from 6-9 PM. The Loring now offers $30 dinner for two on Tuesdays and will discount your bill for the value of up to 2 hours of street parking if you show them your meter receipt! Put those dates on your social calendar and catch CAO in Dinkytown when the whole band is there! On the remaining Tuesdays of each month Dan will be playing from 6-9 with various duos and trios including members of CAO and the dinner specials and parking discounts continue! "Daddy Squeeze" has been playing offbeat accordion music since 1987, when he won the Nebraska State Accordion Contest at the Czech Festival in Wilber, Nebraska. He has used the accordion for playing all kinds of music not normally associated with free-reed instruments, as well as standard accordion material.Daddy Squeeze also enjoys mixing up styles and genres that don't generally seem compatible. "Music out of context", or "Ethno-clectic Bop" is the result of his genre-bending experiments with Celtic, Tex-Mex, Creole, Blues, Jazz, Scandinavian, Polka and pop music. Daddy Squeeze entertains and also enlightens his audiences with stories and colorful anecdotes about the accordion and his experiences while making a living playing the instrument he loves. Dan has produced more than 25 albums for himself, his band, and other performers. He has appeared on recordings by other artists such as Garrison Keillor, Son Volt, The Proclaimers, etc. He leads other bands including Jumbo Ya Ya, The Rockin’ Pinecones, The Hula Peppers, and The Daddy Squeeze Band. He also gives lessons on Skype. For further information: daddysqueeze@daddysqueeze.com |
2018 List of Accordion Organizations in Californiaby Rita Barnea |
 The accordion is alive, active, and abundant throughout California. Below is a list of accordion clubs that you may be interested in joining or attending their events. Contact information is included here. Perhaps you may be interested in performing for them etc. There are monthly concerts and events.Silicon Valley Accordion Society Monthly Meeting When: Sun, November 4, 1pm – 4pm Where: Harry's Hofbrau, 390 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose, CA (between Kiely Blvd and Stevens Creek Blvd) Description: Monthly musical program of the Silicon Valley Accordion Society Contact: Bill Tapogna (408) 984-5290 Northern California Accordion Society Monthly Meeting When: Wed, November 7, 6:30pm – 9:30pm Where: Lutheran Church Social Hall, 6365 Douglas Blvd, off Hwy 80, Granite Bay Description: The monthly musical program of the Northern California Accordion Society. Contact Jerry Choate (530) 345-2031 Vacaville Chapter - Golden State Accordion Club Monthly Meeting When: Thu, November 8, 6:30pm – 9:30pm Where: Pietro's No. 2, 679 Merchant Street, Vacaville, CA 95688 Description:The monthly musical meeting of the Vacaville Chapter of the Golden State Accordion Club. Contact: Sue Hirigoyen, (510) 552-6305 Good Time Accordion Club When: Wed, November 14, 7pm – 10pm Where: Escalon Community Center, 1055 Escalon Ave, Escalon, CA 95320 Contact: info@goodtimeaccordionclub.org Sunday, November 18 …. See article on Peter Di Bono in Reports Section SFAC Monthly Musical Program Accordion Club of the Redwoods Monthly Meeting When: Mon, November 19, 7:30pm – 10:00pm Where: Hermann Sons Hall, 860 Western Avenue, Petaluma, CA Description: The monthly meeting (7:30) and musical program (8:00) of the Accordion Club of the Redwwods. Contact: Tony Mustaro, President (707) 318-0474 or email: dcdacapo@gmail.com Humboldt Chapter - Golden State Accordion Club Monthly Meeting When:Tue, November 20, 7pm – 10pm Where: Humboldt Swiss Club, 5403 Tompkins Hill Road, Loleta, CA Description: The monthly musical meeting of the Humboldt Chapter of the Golden State Accordion Club. Contact: Carole Enneking, President, (707) 864-2359 or email: gsaccordionclub.netfirms.com Sacramento Chapter - Golden State Accordion Club Monthly Meeting When: Wed, November 28, 7pm – 10pm Where: Old Spaghetti Factory, 12401 Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova, CA Description: The monthly musical meeting of the Sacremento Chapter of the Golden State Accordion Club. Contact: Carole Enneking, President, (707) 864-2359 or email: gsaccordionclub.netfirms.com If you would like to have your California accordion organization included here, please send info to Ritabelll@aol.com |
Nancy Leonard Performs on Capital Hill, Washington, D.C.by Rita Barnea |
 Nancy Leonard recently performed on on Capitol Hill, Washington, DC Stage on September 29, 2018. Nancy has entertained with her accordion her entire life. She began her accordion studies at 10 years of age and studied music and the accordion under Dr. Carmelo Pino. She has been an active performer her entire life continuing to perform throughout the United State maintaining a busy schedule, performing in Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Gettysburg, Orlando, Philadelphia and throughout the Washington and Baltimore Metro areas Nancy has written, arranged, performed, and recorded music for a childrens' play and also performs many of her own arrangements. Her book, “Making Money as a Strolling Accordionist” is available for purchase. She resides in the Washington, DC area, and Palm Beach County, Florida.Her repertory includes selections of French, Greek, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Jewish, Russian, and Polish. She performs Ballads, Show Tunes and Waltzes for musical entertainment and much of this music is available on her two (2) CD's. Nancy has performed in orchestras and as a strolling accordionist in Las Vegas.\Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.; French Alliance, Washington, D.C.; Palm Beach County, FL; and many states throughout the U.S Nancy performed in “Montgomery's Got Talent – The Premier Senior Talent Showcase” at the Bethesda Theater in Bethesda, MD in 2011. She also performed as a Headliner in “Montgomery's Got Talent 2014 Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club,” and at the “National Night Out” celebration at the Mid-County Community Recreation Center in Silver Spring. Her future performances include the Boca Woods Country Cub and the Gaelic and Garlic Festival in Naples. The Nancy Leonard Ensemble is comprised of an accordionist and two vocalists. The ensemble has a large repertoire of songs including International Songs sung in nine languages: Italian, German, French, Spanish, Yiddish, Hebrew, Russian, Latin and English. Their repertoire also includes Operettas, Opera, Musical Theater [Broadway Hits], Inspirational/ Religious music, Old Time Favorites and Standards. The ensemble also leads audiences in sing-a long sessions to provide audience participation. For further information: accordionstar@verizon.net |
Future events |
Joseph Soprani to Perform with Marple/Newtown Band on December 1by Rita Barnea |
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| Joseph Soprani will perform with the Marple/Newtown Community Band featuring one of his latest arrangements called “ Il Convegno” by A. Panchielli originally written for two clarinets and concert band. It is one of Panchielli’s Romantic instrumental masterpieces. The concert takes place on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 7:PM at Congregation Beth Israel, 542 S. New Middletown Roda, Media, PA. 19063. Additional selections include: “Royal Welsh Fusiliers”, “Andante Cantabile” from Paganini “Variations by Rachmaninoff”, “Oliver”, “West Side Story”, “Calyso Christmas” and “Sleigh Ride” among others. Joseph will present the world premiere transcription of “Il Coven” and “Jolly Caballero” for clarinet, accordion and band played by the US Air Force band Soloists Tony Wastler and Joe Soprani with guest conductor Dan Panchelli. Joseph was asked to arrange the composition for accordion and clarinet by the conductor of the band, Tony Wastler, who is the former clarinetist of the the USAF Band in Washington, DC. in the late 60’s. Joseph Soprani was the accordion soloist under Col. George Howard in the late 50’s. Check this piece out on YOU TUBE. If you are able to attend you will hear how Joe is able to maintain the essence and character of the clarinet and also showcase the wonders of the accordion. Do not miss this performance since it may very well be his last major project and performance. He plans on retiring next year. In addition to performing in Broadway shows such as "Fiddler on the Roof", "Zorba", "Cabaret" and "Irma la Douce", Joe has performed in world premieres of "Frida,” a musical that called for a virtuoso accordionist and "Another Kind of Hero,” a musical which featured him on stage for an entire scene. Joe, who appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show and won the Arthur Godfrey Show, appeared with TV Star Nell Carter in a "Colors of Freedom" production at the Convention Center in Philadelphia in 1995. He also appeared with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops playing a special arrangement by Nero with Soprano Evelyn de LaRosa. In November of 1997, Soprani became the first accordionist to perform in "La Traviata" by Verdi presented by the Opera Company of Philadelphia, at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. Klaus Arp, the opera conductor from Germany, decided to use the accordion in the small ensemble on stage during "La Banda" sections. Joe has also performed with Russell Watson on Good Morning America, and continues to promote the accordion as a serious instrument at various clubs and organizations. His workshops at schools and colleges, where he demonstrates his skills as performer and arranger to young composers and arrangers, have been well received. Joseph said, “I hope you can attend. Thank you for your tremendous support over the years." Free refreshments at intermission. For further information: Email: Joesoprani@gmail.com Call: 610-308-8692 |
CAA Holiday Concert “Seasonal Melodies and other Songs”by Marilyn O'Neil, Youth Involvement Program Coordinator |
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 The Connecticut Accordion Association proudly presents its orchestra in their holiday concert on Saturday, December 1 at 2:PM at The Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St., Waterbury, CT. 06702Conducted by Peter Peluso, a full accordion orchestra will perform a variety of holiday favorites including familiar classical works, sacred songs and even a little rock and roll!. Vocalists, young accordionists and special guests will complete the program. $10.00 General Admission to the Museum, $7.00 for seniors, under 16, FREE Note: This concert, sponsored by the Mattatuck Museum, replaces the November and December meetings of the Connecticut Accordion Association. RSVP: Marilyn at 203-272-1202 by November 30. Visit on the web at www.CTAccordion.com. |
Guy Klucevsek in Concert in Albuquerque on December 2by Rita Barnea |
 Guy Klucevsek will present a concert of his music at Las Puertas on December 2, 2018 at 10:30 AM. Admission is $15.The program includes: Satango Pitch-Black Don’t Let the Boogie-Man Get You Ballad of Faithe Oscillation No. 2 Ratatatatouille Roundabout Now Haywire Rag Bar Talk Antonin Dvorak Largo: Variations and Theme arr. Klucevsek Performers: Guy Klucevsek: accordion Luke Gullickson: piano Carolyn Meyer: poet Excerpts from his website: Guy Klucevsek is one of the world’s most versatile and highly-respected accordionists. He has performed and/or recorded with Laurie Anderson, Bang On a Can, Brave Combo, Anthony Braxton, Anthony Coleman, Dave Douglas, Bill Frisell, Rahim al Haj, Robin Holcomb, Kepa Junkera, the Kronos Quartet, Natalie Merchant, Present Music, Relâche, Zeitgeist, and John Zorn. Guy Klucevsek is the recipient of a 2010 United States Artists Collins Fellowship, an unrestricted $50,000 award given annually to "America's finest artists.” Guy and his music are included in two documentaries about the accordion, “Behind the Bellows” and, most recently, “Accordions Rising” by Roberta Cantow. Guy has premiered over 50 solo accordion pieces, including his own, as well as those he has commissioned from Mary Ellen Childs, William Duckworth, Fred Frith, Aaron Jay Kernis, Jerome Kitzke, Stephen Montague, Somei Satoh, Lois V Vierk, and John Zorn. Performances include the Ten Days on the Island Festival (Tasmania), the Adelaide Festival (Australia), the Berlin Jazz Festival, Lincoln Center, Spoleto Festival/USA, BAM Next Wave Festival, Cotati Accordion Festival, San Antonio International Accordion Festival, Vienna International Accordion Festival, and the children’s television show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” His 1987 project, Polka From the Fringe, a collection of commissioned polkas by Fred Frith, Elliott Sharp, Bobby Previte, Carl Finch, et. al., toured around the world and was released on 2 cds on the eva label, and were named “best recordings 1992” on WNYC-FM’s “New Sounds” program. In 1996, he founded Accordion Tribe, an international ensemble of composer/accordionists Otto Lechner (Austria), Maria Kalanemi (Finland), Lars Hollmer (Sweden), Bratko Bibic (Slovenia) and himself. They toured internationally from 1996-2009, are the subjects of Stefan Schwietert’s award-winning documentary film, Accordion Tribe: Music Travels, and released 3 cds on the Intuition (Germany) label. His music theatre scores include “Chinoiserie” and “Obon” with Ping Chong and Company, “Hard Coal,” with the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, “Industrious Angels” for Laurie McCants, “Cirque Lili” for French circus artist Jérôme Thomas, which has been performed over 250 times world wide, always with live music, and his own piece, “Squeeze Play,” an evening of collaborations with Dan Hurlin, David Dorfman and Dan Froot, Claire Porter, and Mary Ellen Childs. He and Dan Hurlin were awarded, jointly, a BESSIE for, “The Heart of the Andes,” which has played the Henson International Puppetry Festival, The Barbican Center in London, and the Ten Days on the Island Festival, Tasmania. Guy Klucevsek’s new recording, “Carousel of Dreams,” was released on June 18, 2018. The recording features Guy’s solo compositions, including “Three Tributes,” commissioned by the American Accordionists’ Association, and a trio and quartets for Bellows Brigade, where Guy is joined by fellow accordionists Will Holshouser, Nathan Koci (doubling voice) and Kamala Sankaram (doubling voice). The feature piece is a 17-minute suite, “Pauline, Pauline,” dedicated to the memory of Guy’s long-time friend, composer/accordionist Pauline Oliveros. 10:30 AM Sunday mornings 50 weeks a year: welcoming, invigorating, eccentric. Performances take place at Las Puertas at 1512 1st Street NW in Albuquerque. Arrive before 10am and enjoy the complimentary espresso bar and homemade goodies. The one-hour program of ensemble music begins promptly at 10:30 am. Chatter weaves together traditional and contemporary classical music in often surprising programs that include a reading by our poet/speaker of the morning and a two-minute celebration of silence. Free parking is located on neighborhood streets and in a large lot 1 block from Las Puertas on Kinley Ave NW (between 1st and 2nd Streets). Las Puertas is a beautiful warehouse of red brick, concrete, and steel, rebuilt after a fire in the 1950s. When its useful life as a warehouse came to an end, owner Lee Blaugrund gave it new life as an event center dedicated to supporting nonprofits and the arts. Las Puertas means “the doors", a name echoing the massive old doors and gates from India and other parts of the world which line the walls of the Chatter performance space and the adjoining, larger Milonga de Las Puertas event space. Mr Blaugrund and his staff have upgraded the acoustical properties of Las Puertas for the benefit of Chatter’s unique brand of chamber music. Also newly-constructed is a handsome corner dedicated to Chatter’s all-important, iconic espresso and coffee. In recent years, Chatter has sold out most Sunday mornings. Las Puertas allows for small expansion of the audience while keeping the performances intimate and maintaining the atmosphere of camaraderie and community which are critical components of the Chatter experience. David Felberg, Albuquerque native, violinist and conductor, is Artistic Director and co-founder of Chatter. He is Concertmaster of the Santa Fe Symphony and Associate Concertmaster of the New Mexico Philharmonic, and teaches contemporary music at the University of New Mexico. He maintains a robust conducting and concert soloist career, performing throughout the southwest. As a conductor, he recently made his debut with Santa Fe Pro Musica, and regularly conducts professionally all over New Mexico. He made his New York recital debut in Merkin Hall in spring 2005. David received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Arizona and a Master of Music in Conducting from the University of New Mexico. He has taken advanced string quartet studies at the University of Colorado with the Takacs Quartet, and received intensive training at the American Academy of Conducting at the Aspen Music Festival. David plays a J.B.Vuillaume 1829 violin. James T Shields, Associate Artistic Director of Chatter, is a dynamic performer who can be heard throughout North America as an active chamber musician, soloist, and orchestral performer. Recently appointed Principal Clarinet of the Oregon Symphony, James has performed in similar positions in orchestras around the globe, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Canadian Opera Company, the New Mexico Philharmonic, Santa Fe Pro Musica, and the Malaysian Philharmonic. As an advocate for contemporary music and chamber music, James can be found performing frequently in more intimate venues where he enjoys the opportunity to find an immediate connection with the audience. A graduate of the Juilliard School, James also received a Masters Degree in Composition from the University of New Mexico in 2010, and continues to compose regularly when his performing schedule allows. For further information: gklucevsek@mac.com |
New and Updated Sites |
American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Store - Now open for business!by Linda Soley Reed, AAA Second Vice President |
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| You don't have to wait for Black Friday, visit the AAA Store TODAY. You can become a member, pay your dues or support the youth programs by buying an 80th anniversary T-shirt. It's Easy!! Give it a try and let us know how we can improve! View at: AAA-Store AAA Membership fees can be paid through the new system and donations sent for specific AAA scholarship and educational projects as well as supporting the commissioning of new works. First items to be sold in the new AAA-Store are: 80th Anniversary t-Shirts TMD – 22 T-shirt, Medium TLG – 23 T-shirt, Large TXL – 24 T-shirt, Extra Large (XL) |
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Updated Site of Mike Middletonby Harley Jones |
 The Mike Middleton website has been updated. The site is promoting the CD albums, biography and musical activities of well known Texan Mike Middleton. |